Oh Markie Mark. I think that this was one of his first big movies (not sure if this came before or after Fear), and was not a bad start for him. I didn't realize what an all star cast this movie had--Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, Heather Graham, Don Cheadle, William H. Macy, Philip Seymour-Hufman and John C. Reill--definitely some great performances. Wahlberg looked hot obviously, and portrayed a great character arc starting from naive and innocent and then going full circle.
I really liked Julianne Moore in this...not sure if it is because I have been on a Moore kick recently or not, but she had been impressing me in the last few movies I have seen her in. I thought she played old strung out porn star pretty well. Also, Burt Reynolds was hilarious. I feel like this was a movie I heard a lot about when I was younger so it was a little hyped up, but it was good--nothing outstanding but good. A little long though (the movie, not the prosthetic penis that wahlberg shows in the end. hah) Overall, it is about as good as you would think a movie about the porn industry would be.
My Rating: B-
Ah, can't believe I hadn't seen this sooner. Loveeee love loved this movie. I did not expect to like it as much as I did, because I usually don't like Michelle Peiffer or Dakota Fanning--but the two, combined with Sean Penn's outstanding performance make an incredibly touching and real story. Through the course of the movie, you grow to care so much for Penn's character are his quirks--one of my favorites: "That's a very good choice."
This movie made me realize I haven't seen enough of Penn and that I need to see some his other work; he was amazing. He played such a simple and loveable character, while Fanning and Peiffer complimented him perfectly, portraying the movies message that "All You Need is Love." I don't know if I was overlly emotional the night I watched this or not, but I felt like I pretty much cried non-stop through the whole thing...most specifically at the moment when Penn's character goes to visit his daughter with her foster mother (who I actually really like as an actress also, she was in An Education too), bringing her flowers, but stops when he sees that she appears to be having fun, and realizes that she might be better off. There were so many heart wrecnhing moments that drew me further and further into the incredible bond that the father and daughter had. Great story, great actors--sorry I didn't see this much sooner.
My Rating: A+
First off, Peter Saarsgard is dreamy. And looks exactly like Colin Firth. I enjoyed this movie. Great performances by Alfred Molina and Saarsgard, but the real star of the movie was Carey Mulligan. She had a great spunk and spark for knowledge during a time when women were more or less meant to be seen and not heard. I loved her sass and quick wit, and really liked the story of her character in general. Parts of this movie felt a little creepy though--i.e., a man in his 30's picking up a 16 year old high schooler on the side of the road and then continuing to pursue a relationship with her. I appreciate that it was a different time, but the sex scenes were still a bit uncomfortable.
The end came a bit as a shock to me...I may not have been paying as close attention as I should have been, and watched the movie in 2 seperate sittings--but I did not see Saarsgard's character being such a low life. Not completely sure how to feel about the movie; I enjoyed the acting almost across the board, but the story line lacked a bit for me. I think at times I wanted more detailed scenes, or a bit more realness in the way that Jenny's parents dealt with David.
My Rating: B
